How to Make a 45-Degree Angle Cut on a Laminate Kitchen Countertop

Nathan McGintyUpdated February 21, 2017

Laminate countertops are an inexpensive and durable material for a kitchen update or upgrade. These fixtures are made by gluing a piece of formica or other material on top of a plywood base. This allows them to be easily cut and shaped for any space. By making a 45-degree angle cut on a laminate kitchen countertop, you can join two pieces together at a corner or other joint. The main thing to remember when cutting laminate is to take your time.

Support both sides of the laminate board with sawhorses or other braces.

Mark the 45-degree angle that you want to cut with a pencil and straight edge.

Cover the pencil mark with a piece of masking tape. Trace over this with heavier marker, such as a felt-tipped pen. The tape will help prevent the laminate from cracking or splitting when you are cutting.

Remove any blades present in the circular saw. Place the saw on top of the laminate, aligning the cutting mark on the saw with the line you drew in Step 2. Line up a piece of wood--a two-by-four is good for this--parallel with the path of the saw blade at a 45-degree angle. The two-by-four will serve as a guide so that you keep the line straight and even. Secure the wooden guide in place with a pair of clamps.

Place the laminate cutting blade on your circular saw. Lock it into place with the circular saw wrench. Adjust the blade depth to about 1/8 inch below the surface of the counter.

Start at one end of the cut. Push forward slowly and let the saw do the work. Follow along the wooden guide. Do not slow down when you get to the end of the cut.

Carefully sand down any rough edges.

Tip

Always keep your cutting blades sharp. Use a new one, if possible.

Warning

Always wear the proper safety equipment when operating power tools. Do not let the last piece suddenly snap off as you would when cutting a two-by-four or other piece of lumber. This could cause the laminate to crack, ruining your whole countertop.

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McGinty, Nathan. "How to Make a 45-Degree Angle Cut on a Laminate Kitchen Countertop." , http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6408420_cut-45_degree-angles-laminate-countertops.html. 13 May 2017.

McGinty, Nathan. (2017, May 13). How to Make a 45-Degree Angle Cut on a Laminate Kitchen Countertop. . Retrieved from http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6408420_cut-45_degree-angles-laminate-countertops.html

McGinty, Nathan. "How to Make a 45-Degree Angle Cut on a Laminate Kitchen Countertop" last modified May 13, 2017. http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6408420_cut-45_degree-angles-laminate-countertops.html

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About the Author

Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.